I am going to build an outdoor table. This is just a question regarding the legs. I have 4×4s that came from pallets. They are ambrosia maple; I was wondering if I painted them would they hold up well if I used a good enamel paint? I know maple isn’t a good outdoor wood, but if I painted them, would that help control the rot that maple would get outside? They are from pallets, and in pretty rough shape, so it’s not as if I paid anything for them. Or should I just go and buy cedar or some other outdoor 4×4 wood for the legs? I am trying not to keep the cost way down for this, and the maple is just sitting there in my shop so I figured it would be a good time to use it.

Thanks,

The Swede

-- Just trying to build something beautiful

7 replies so far

The best thing you can do is seal the end grain and get them off the ground. Either one would make a big difference, but doing both would make a huge difference. I’d suggest thinning down some shellac and mopping it on heavy, let it soak deep into the grain. Not sure the best way to get them off the ground… I’m thinking those metal casters that you tap into the the bottom, but I’m sure there’s better ways.

You might glue some thin “pads of Ipe or some other rot resistant wood to the bottom of the legs. I did this on my daughter’s patio set which sits on concrete and flagstone. 5 years and holding up well (the set is reclaimed Doug Fir). My Ipe pads were 3/8” thick.

I have made several outdoor tables from maple stringers. To me the biggest thing was to get the wood up off the ground. I use a rubber foot, seems like just a little bit of air under the end of the leg does wonders for the drying process. I sand glassy smooth and go heavy on the sealer before installing the feet. also predrill the hole and fill it with silicone caulk before putting the screw in.
My grandfather used to cut pieces of locust to make pads for picnic tables and such. My Mom still has a picnic table that grandpa made well before I was born. Damn near 60 year old picnic table that has been outside since 1950 something. It does have 3 or 400 coats of paint on it though :)

I hate to disagree with Ted but shellac is not very water resistant ,I would take some TiteBond III and rub it into the end grain before painting it. If you keep the paint maintained paying particular attention to the end grain touching the ground it will last a long time.I agree with gfadvm about putting a more water resistant wood on the feet,Ipe’s a great choice.